Monday, July 31, 2006

Red Sox Trade Rumors

RED SOX HUB TRADE RUMOR CENTRAL

Trade Deadline is 4 p.m. EST

The Red Sox are attempting to strike a three-way deal with the Rockies and Padres, with third baseman Mike Lowell shipped out of town and first baseman Ryan Shealy arriving here from Colorado. The Sox also would presumably obtain a more-than-reputable starter.

Another name to keep in mind as a trade option today is San Francisco right-hander Jason Schmidt, who, according to multiple sources, was being made available by the Giants.

Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox starter David Pauley also was mentioned as part of the Red Sox’ trade packages-primarily to the Rockies.

According to The Boston Globe, the Red Sox are discussing a deal with Tampa Bay and San Diego that would bring Devil Rays infielder Julio Lugo and Padres setup man Scott Linebrink to Boston, with MikeLowell going to the Padres. The Devil Rays presumably would get prospects from one or both clubs.

A baseball source says that Roy Oswalt is likely to not be traded, and that the Astros are shopping him to assess his market value, ESPN The Magazine's Amy Nelson reports.The Astros have had preliminary discussions about a contract extension in the last week with Oswalt, and since then have begun shopping the right-hander to gauge his long-term value.The Mets, Red Sox, Nationals and Orioles all have expressed interest in Oswalt.

ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney reported that the Red Sox and the Braves have talked about a deal that would send Andruw Jones to Boston for Coco Crisp, Craig Hansen and a prospect.But according to an executive familiar with the discussions, the Braves made a counter offer, asking for Jon Lester to be the third player. The Sox have since countered with offers of prospects both to Atlanta and in return as part of the deal.

THE YANKEES ARE AN 80’s THROWBACK

Alex Cora is one Sox player who isn’t convinced Abreu and Lidle will turn the Yankees into champions. “I just don’t know,” he said. “We’ll have to wait two months and see what happens. They were in Philly, and the Phillies are in last place, so, you know?”

'86 WAS A HEEP OF TROUBLE

In 1986 Danny Heep became the first player in a World Series to be a designated hitter (DH) with the initials "D.H."

THAT'S SPELLED S-O-X

In the four major US professional sports, (Baseball, Basketball, Football, and Hockey), there are only seven teams whose nicknames do not end with an "S:" Basketball: The Miami Heat, The Utah Jazz, The Orlando Magic. Baseball: The Boston Red Sox, The Chicago White Sox. Hockey: The Colorado Avalanche, The Tampa Bay Lightning. Football: None.